KC Shank

KC Shank, 80, of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 22, 2026. KC was born on October 31, 1945, in Akron, Ohio, to Renick and Mary Shank. KC attended Albuquerque High School and was extremely talented in baseball. This even led to receiving offers from the big leagues. On September 3, 2005, KC married Shery. Throughout his life, KC always had a connection to sports whether it was bowling, waterskiing, or coaching his grandsons’ teams in baseball and golf. He found great joy in watching the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs, as well as Ohio State and the Cleveland Browns. His true love in sports was golf, and he could be regularly found at Swan Hills with his friends. Back in his younger years, he was a part of the Rockford Speedway on the racing team. KC also made many friends through the River Rats, and various baseball leagues through work. More recently after retiring, he let life slow down and took many trips. KC also looked forward to spending more time at the Mendota Hills Campground with Shery at his permanent campsite in Amboy, Illinois. Together they made many wonderful memories around the fire. When life got a bit too slow for him, he made the decision to work part time at Lucky Slots and genuinely had fun at work. He loved being out and socializing with those who came in. Above all else, KC’s favorite way to spend time was with his family. Whether it was a holiday, cookout, or a last minute dinner, KC was there and soaked up every moment. His sense of humor and kindness will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Shery; children, Threasa (Lyle) Helman and Todd (Miq̃ue) Shank; step-children, Aaron (fiancé, Brooke) Waldsmith and Amber Holmes; grandchildren, Tosha (Rob), Stephanie (Andrew), Kyle, Aaron (Sarah), Hailey, Laci, Arianna, Allison, and Sebastian; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Julian, Elena, and Hanley; siblings, Jim (Linda) Shank, Renick (Sheryre) Shank, Helen (Randy) Kunkleman, Mary T. Bauman, and Ted Shank; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents.